Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering (PA2021/2463)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 44 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

Subject description
The research area of the doctoral student deals with millimetre-wave Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, a key technique for beyond 5G communication. More specifically, the subject is digital baseband processing and its efficient implementation for mmWave Massive MIMO, including methodologies for development of baseband processing algorithms, integrated electronic circuits, and demonstration system using FPGA.

The student will cooperate in an EU ECSEL Joint Undertaking project BEYOND5. BEYOND5 has 37 partners from academia and industry, covers all levels of the value chain including foundries, system and architecture, Building the fully European supply chain on RFSOI, enabling New RF Domains for Sensing, Communication, 5G and beyond circuit IP design, package, antennas, system integration, demo, and end users. BEYOND5 involves 3 pilot lines and will build 6 demonstrators.

Work duties
The research will be in the area of algorithm development and digital hardware implementation for mmWave massive MIMO. The targeted application is in-cabin communication for modern aircraft. The focus will be on how to exploit mmWave massive MIMO features, the in-cabin environment, and advances in machine learning to simplify the hardware and thus reduce power consumption. The student will work together with other PhD students locally and other partners on an FPGA platform for the in-flight connectivity demo and on FD-SOI technology for efficient digital IPs.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20 %).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if the applicant has:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc degree in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communications engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in design and implementation of digital integrated circuits.
• Experience in development of prototype systems using FPGA and/or software-defined radio platforms.
• Good knowledge of wireless communication, particularly MIMO and massive MIMO systems.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Other assessment criteria:

• Courses, master's thesis, and experience in design of digital integrated circuits.
• Experience in design and implementation of (both FPGA and ASIC) digital baseband processing for wireless systems.
• Knowledge of analogue transceiver architecture and components will be a beneficial asset.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20 % departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).